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j| LIBRARY OF COIGRESS. 



I UNITED STATES OP AMBRIOA.fi 






AS 



ORATION, 



D K L I V K R IC D O .^ 



rilE CENTENJN'IAL ANNIVERSARl 



BIRTH OF WASHINGTON. 



FEBRUARY 22, 1832. 



BY JOHN PIT M A N. 



PROVIDE N ( ' E : 

W E E D K N AND K N O W I, E ?, P R I .\ T I! B S . 

MDccrxxxn 



Pkovidende, February 22d, 18S2. 
Hon. John Pitman, 

Sir — The Committee of Arrangements for the 
Celebration of the centennial birth-day of Washington, beg leave to 
express their sincere obligations to you, for the interesting and eloquent 
Oration pronounced by you this day, on that occasion. 

They believe they express the wish of the numerous audience who 
listened to it, as well as the wish of the citizens generally, in informing 
you of their own unanimous desire that it should be printed, and they 
request the favor, therefore, of a copy for that purpose. 
Respectfully, 

Your obliged and obedient servants, 

JOSHUA MAURAN, ALLEN O. PFCK, N 

VVM. S. PATTEN, SAMUEL JACOBS, / 

JOSIAH WHITAKER, SAMUKL AMES, \ Cnmr^.iifi. 

THOS. F. CARPENTER, JOHN W. ABOKN, / ^-amrcuer. 

JAIKKS G. ANTHONV, JOHN MILLER, Ik, 

MARTIN STODDARD, C. L. DWIGHT, J 



Providence, February 23d 1832. 

(tKNTLEMEN, 

I regret that the time afforded me, did not enable 
me to make the Oration which I pronounced at your request, on the 
22d instant, more worthy of the occasion and your acceptance. That 
it was well received, is chiefly to be attributed to its most interesting 
subject. In the hope, notwithstanding its defects, that it may revive 
some of those recollections which awaken our gratitude and increase 
our patriotism, I submit it to your disposal. 

With many thanks for the kind expressions of your approbation, 
I am, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
To JOHN PITMAN. 

JOSHUA MAURAN, ALLEN O. PECK, 

WM. S. PATTEN, SAMUEL JACOBS, 

JOSIAH WHITAKER, SAMUEL AMES, 
THOS. F. CARPENTER, JOHN W. ABORN, 
JAMES G. ANTHONV, JOHN MILLER, 
MARTIN STODDARD, G. L. DWIGHT. 



Committee of Arrangements. 



ORATION. 



Fellow Citizens — 

Could I catch an inspiration from my theme, 
you might have no cause to regret my consent to appear 
before you on this interesting occasion. Deeply impressed 
with the magnitude of the topics connected with this day, 
I fear I may have subjected myself to the imputation of 
vanity, in seeking to avoid the more serious reproach of 
being supposed unwilling to devote myself to the com- 
memoration of him, to whom we owe so large a debt ai 
gratitude. 

We come not here for * man worship,' — the danger in 
our country is, not that this species of homage will be paid 
to tiie DEAD, but to the living, — but we have assembled, 
in the temple of God, to renew our thanlvs to him for hav- 
ing bestowed such a blessing on our country as was, 3.nd 
is, our departed Washington. We come to purify our 
hearts by the contemplation of such a bright example of 
patriotism, to benefit ourselves and our children by calling 
to mind what he suflered and achieved for us, and while 
we view his virtues and actions, in the hope, that if we 
may not aspire to the height of his renown, we may be 
encouraged to an humble imitation of his integrity, his 
honor, his candor, his disinterestcMluess, and his ardent 
devotion to the best ijiterests of his country. 

On this centennial birth day of Washington, a variety 
of topics press upon the mind. His history is associated 
with the rise, and progress, and destiny of a nation. R 
]* 



is the history of freedom contending with oppression ; of 
virtue with corruption ; of deeds of noble daring ; of he- 
roic fortitude ; of incorruptible integrity ; of patriotism un- 
changed by evil or by good report, the same in the darkest 
days of disaster and discouragement and the brightest 
hours of victory and triumph. It is the history not only 
of a hero, but of a statesman, who led his country through 
the perils of war to independence and peace ; and who 
presided in her councils for the formation of a happy Con- 
stitution, and over the Government instituted under it, un- 
til it had become established in the judgment and affec- 
tions of the people, and proved by experience to be admi- 
rably adapted to perpetuate our civil liberty and happiness. 

If we love to linger on those pages of history which re- 
count the virtues of Sages and Patriots, of whatever age 
or country; if, tired of the recital of folly and crime, they 
are as refreshing to our souls as is the green island amid 
the sands of the desart to the thirsty and way-worn travel- 
ler, or ' the shadow of a great rock in a weary land,' how 
much must those pages delight us which portray the wis- 
dom, virtue, and heroism of him whose fame is our coun- 
try's, and who is as much entitled to our love, as our 
admiration ! 

The name of Washington is not so much illumined by, 
as it illuminates the page of history. He has passed be- 
yond the mists, and shadows, and vanities of this life, be- 
yond the passions and prejudices which so often obscure 
living v/orth, and now stands, in bold relief, in all the ra- 
diance and majesty of truth and virtue. 

' The love of glory, says a celebrated v/dtcr, may give 
birth to actions which are both splendid and useful. At 
a distance, they strike the eye with uncommon ]>rightness, 
but on a nearer and stricter view, their lustre is often tar- 
nished. They are found to want that sacred and venera^- 
ble dignity v/hich characterizes true virtue. Little pas- 



sions and selfish interests entered into the motives of those 
who performed them. They were jealous of a competitor. 
They sought to humble a rival. They looked around for 
spectators to admire them. All is magnanimity, genero- 
sity, and courage, to public view. But the ignoble source 
whence these seeming virtues take their rise is hidden. — 
Without appears the hero, within is found the man of dust 
and clay. Consult such as have been intimately acquaint- 
ed with the followers of renown, and seldom or never will 
you find that they hold them in the so.me esteem with 
those who viewed them from afar. There is nothing ex- 
cept simplicity of intention, and purity of principle, that 
can stand the test of near approach and strict examina- 
tion.* 

How well Washington stood this test, let those answer 
who approached him the nearest and knev/ him the best ; 
these were those who loved and honored him the most. 
His actions were not prompted by the love of renown, 
though he was not insensible to that fame which accom- 
panies virtuous and heroic action. An ardent love of lib- 
erty and country, a disinterestedness which has scarcely a 
paj-allel, perfect integrity, undaunted courage tempered 
by prudence and strengthened by fortitude, these were 
the virtues which inspired those actions that gave liim 
* the .first place in the hearts of his countr3mien,' and 
present him to the world as a model, for those to imitate 
who desire the esteem and veneration of mankind. There 
IS a moral sublimity in such a character which rises far 
above tiie conquero]' of Idngdbms, or the mere hero of mili- 
tary renown. 

Where is tlie modern Conqueror of the- Alps and of Ita- 
ly ? Wliere the Hero of Austerlitz, of Jena, of Wagram, 
of Borodino — the destroyer of thrones and dynasties 1 
Where the .great Captain cf the age 1 He proved recreant 



8 
to liberty. He sacnficed h.s country to his love of do- 
minioa and glory. 

. Peace courts his hand, but spreads her charms in vain; 
Think nothinggaiaed, he cries,, till nought remam; 
On Moscow's walls 'till Gallic standards fly, 
And all be mine beneath the Polar sky.' 

And Of him also may it be said, pursuing the verse of 
the great moraUst, 

< He left the name, at which the world grew pale, 
To point a moral or adorn a tale.' 

^ faithful history of the life of Washington >s lus best 
panegyric. A brief sketch of some of the most prorninerjt 
111 will impress yoa w.th those sentiments and fe 1- 
[rwhich are consecrated to this occasion, more than the 

■"^S-ts%lonthe..dofFehruary^^ 

atltac! in Virginia, where his Great ^rand^ther had 

settCd, about seventy-five years before,-a le.pectablc 

emigrant from England. Hbnatri- 

-Ct the age of ten years he lost h.s fathei. Hi. patn 

mJnial estate not being large, »- ^^^ucation .^ -Jt- 
to En-lish branches, and his youth employed ui those ui 
luS^us pursuits which gave vigor to his constitu ion 
ndTc phned lus mind to those habits of busnress wluch 
. he found so useful, and for which he was so remarkable 
Z Zr life. h. the profession of a Surveyor, he enco.ni- 
:;:' the perils of the wiWerness, and a.,..^^ 
knowledge of the -1- of vacant.ands, w^^ c^^^^^^ 
wards to him a source of profit. At the "pj"^ 
teen, he was appointed one of the Adjutan s Gene.al o 
v'nia, at a rime, when, under the apprehensions of < 
F :nch nd Indian war, the miliUa were ^ be tmmed fo 
actualservice. At the age of twenty-oue, the Lieutenant 



9 

Governor of Virginia selected him to go on an important 
and dangerous mission to the commandant of the French 
forces on the Ohio, who was erecting forts on the territory 
claimed by Virginia. To perform this duty, he had to 
penetrate a wilderness a great portion of which was un- 
explored, and in many parts inhabited by hostile Indians, 
Fearless of those dangers, he cheerfully undertook this 
mission, and executed it with so much perseverance and 
judgment, that the public estimation of him was very 
much increased. In the year of his return from the Ohio, 
he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of a regiment raised 
by Virginia, to oppose the encroachments of the French 
Commander; and in that year, 1754, being in command 
of a part of the Regiment, he performed his first militaiy 
exploit, in surprising and capturing a party of the French 
without the loss of a man. At the close of this year, he 
resigned his commission which he thought he could not. 
hold without dishonor, in consequence of the orders from 
the mother countr}^, for settling the rank of the King's of- 
ficers when serving with provincials. 

General Braddock duly appreciated his merit, and trie 
motives of his resignation, and, desirous of his services, 
invited him the next year to enter his family as a volmi- 
teer aid-de-camp, which invitation v/as readily accepted 

You all have heard of Braddock's defeat, and the con- 
duct of Washington on this occasion. His wonderful 
preservation can only be attributed to a superintending 
Providence, which had raised him up for those great pur- 
poses he afterwards accomplished. Soon after the action 
commenced, every other aid was killed or wounded, and 
on Washington devolved the duty of carrying the orders 
of the Commander-in-Chief, in presence of an enemy, 
whose keen marksnien killed or wounded every other of- 
ficer on horse-back; that he was the object of their deadly 
aim, the facts, that his coat was pierced with four balls. 



10 

and that two horses were killed under him, sufficiently at- 
test, yet he escaped unhurt! The coolness, self possess- 
ion and courage which he manifested amidst those dan- 
gers were admirable; he endeavored to rally the panic- 
stricken regular soldiers, but without effect, whilst the 
brave Virginians, whom he had disciplined, thus * deserted 
at their utmost need,' stood their ground, and, in the words 
of Washington, * behaved like men, and died like soldiers;' 
most of them being killed on the field of battle. 

The regular troops, after this defeat, having abandoned 
Virginia, she was obliged to defend herself, and appointed 
Washington, at the age of twenty-three, Commander-in- 
Chief of all her forces raised or to be raised ; he accepted 
this appointment, and upon him devolved the arduous, 
and, as it afterwards proved, most melancholy duty of de- 
fending an extensive frontier with inadequate means, from 
a triumphant savage foe, that involved men, women and 
infancy in indiscriminate massacre. In this command, 
Washington had a foretaste of some of those difficulties 
and trials which he afterwards encountered in the contest 
for hberty. 

In one of his letters to the Lieutenant Governor of Vir- 
ginia, after describing the situation of the frontier, and his 
inability to defend it without further assistance, the cause 
he had to lament the hour that gave him this commission, 
which, but for the distresses of the country, he would im- 
mediatelyfresign, he adds this most pathetic appeal : 'The 
supplicating tears of the women, and the moving petitions 
of the men melt me with such deadly sorrow, that I sol- 
emnly declare, if I know my own mind, I could offer my- 
self a willing sacrifice to the butchering enemy, provided 
that would contribute to the people's ease.' 

The evacuation, by the French, of Fort Du Quesne, 
which was inimediately occupied by the British, and called 
Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh, and the removal of the French 



11 

from the Ohio, having relieved Virginia from the dangers 
of Indian war, Washington was enabled, in 1758, to resign, 
witiiout dishonor, a commission which had no miUtary 
charms, and nothing but his patriotism induced him to 
hold. 

We now come to that period, when the American peo- 
ple, having petitioned and remonstrated in vain, appealed 
to arms in defence of their liberties. Washington was a 
member from Virginia of the first Congress, and his mili- 
tary reputation, caused him to be placed on all committees 
which w^ere to provide the means of defence. When there 
was no longer any doubt that the contest which had em- 
ployed so many pens, must be decided by the sword. Con- 
gress, on the 14th of June, 1775, unanimously appointed 
Washington, General and Commander-in-Chief of the ar- 
my of the United Colonies. This appointment was an- 
nounced to him by the President, the next day, and by 
him accepted, as it was their unanimous desire, but while 
thanking them for the honor conferred upon him, he ' sol- 
emnly declared with the utmost sincerity, and called upon 
every gentleman to witness the declaration, lest some un- 
lucky event should happen unfavorable to his reputation, 
that he did not think himself equal to the command he 
was honored with.' 

Here let us pause a moment, and consider the dan- 
gers and responsibility of the office which Washington 
thus accepted. Let us carry ourselves back to those days 
and survey the parties who were about to contend in 
deadly warfare. On the one hand, we behold a people 
composing thirteen separate states, as yet in comparative 
infancy in population and resources; a divided people, 
without' an army, without a navy, without an adequate 
revenue or the means of creating one, without the requi- 
site arms or the munitions of war, and, in general, desti- 
tute of mihtary skill and experience ; a people scattered 



12 

along an extensive sea coast, and exposed to the depreda- 
tions of every invader. 

On the other hand, we behold a mighty nation, flushed 
with her recent victories over France and Spain, with a 
veteran army ready to do her will, with immense pecuni- 
ary resomces, and a navy which had wrested the trident 
from Neptune, and bade ' Britannia rule the waves.' Are 
these to be the competitors in mortal strife, the one for 
liberty, the other for empire? And can we doubt, judg- 
ing from human probability, which has the 'vantage- 
ground, or which must be vanquished] Look again, it is 
not the contest of a weak with a strong nation, in which 
the rules of civilized war are to be obsei*ved, and the van- 
quished might still hope for an honorable peace. A King 
seeks to subdue those whom he calls his rebel subiects,and 
those that escape death in the field, may expect, if defeat- 
ed, to expiate the crime of rebellion on the scaffold ; if 
from the latter fate those of humbler fortunes may be spar- 
ed, their leaders, and especially their military Comman- 
der-in-Chief cannot hope for clemency. Washington 
possessed a fortune, and, in his beloved Mount Vernon, en- 
joyed domestic happiness and those rural pleasures to 
which he was so much attached. What could tempt him 
to hazard all this upon the stormy wave of war and revo- 
lution, and to accept a pre-eminence so dangerous, that 
nothing but victory could prevent the confiscation of his 
fortune, or save him from an ignominious death 1 Such 
self-devotion at the call of his country manifested the pow- 
er of virtuous principle! These, these were times, when 
the question was. Liberty or death! 

When this illustrious man assimied this high respon- 
sibility, his compatriots, thus assembled, well knowing the 
dangers which surrounded him, 'solemnly and unani- 
mously declared, tliat they would maintain, assist and ad- 
here to him with their Hvcs and fortunes.' 



13 

vv a.iUingion repauea as soon as possible lo Cambridgej 
;/^; Head Quarters of the American army. His answer 

the address of the Massachusetts Congress, on his ar- 
rival, manifested how ardently he was attached to the 
cause he had espoused. In exchanging,? said he, ' the 
enjoyments of domestic hfe for the duties of my present 
honoroJile but arduous station, I only emulate the viriue 
and public spirit of the whole province of Massachusetts, 
which, with a firmness and patriotism without example, 
has sacrificed all the comforts of social and political life, in 
support of the rights of mankind and the welfare of otir 
commpii country. My highestambitioji is to be the hap- 
py instrument of vijqidicating those lights, and to see iliis 
devoted province again restored to peace, liberty and 
safety.' 

Washington was now engaged in organizing the army 
which he found investing Boston, it was defective in al- 
most every thing but men; these he described es 'able 
bodied, active, zealous in the cause, and of unquestiona^ 
ble courage.' The army was nearly destitute of ammuni«- 
tion, ver}^ deficient in arms, their term of service would ex- 
pire in a few moiiths, and much difficulty was experience(i 
in procuring re-enlistments. In a letter to Congress he 
said : *It is not in the pages of history to furnish a case 
like ours. To maintain a post within musket shot of the, 
enemy for six months together, without aiTmiunition, and 
at the same time to disband one army and recruit another 
within that distance of twenty odd British regiments, is 
more than, probably, ever wh,s attempted. But if we suc- 
ceed as well in the latter, as we have hitherto done in tlie 
fermer, I shall ihmk it the most fortunate event in n.y 

hole life.' 

In Feburary. i7i6, nemiormeci Congres?, tiiai tu'-;/^ 

le then in his army, * near two thousand vmcn withoui 
^-arms of any ^ort/ being nearly me^fourfh of hi?' anry 



14 

independent of militia. Such were the hiimble means by 
which he was expected to drive the British from Boston, 
and so spirited and judicious were his measures, that this 
was accompUshed in the following month. 

Washington then repaired with his army to New York, 
in the hope of preventing the British from getting pos- 
session of a city so important to their future operations. — 
His araiy was inferior to the enemy in point of numbers, 
and greatly inferior in miUtary equipment. This army 
was divided for the purpose of defending the various points 
around New York, while the enemy could choose, and 
bring his whole force to bear upon the point of attack. 
Here commenced a series of disasters to the American 
arms. The defeat at Brooklyn which destroyed for a 
time the confidence of the American army in themselves 
and their officers ; the retreat from Long Island; the evac- 
uation of NeAV York and York Island, except Fort Wash- 
ington ; the battle of White Plains, where the Americans 
manifested, indeed, some of their former spirit, and suffer- 
ed no disgrace. The loss of Fort Washington, and with 
it, many of the best troops in the American army ; the 
evacuation of Fort Lee, and the retreat of Washington 
across the Jerseys and beyond the Delaware ; his army 
reduced to less than three thousand men, badly armed, 
miserably clad, and nearly destitute of tents and blankets. 
*He found liimself,' says his eminent biographer, C. J. 
Marshall, 'at the head of this small band, dispirited by 
their losses and fatigues, retreating almost naked and 
barefooted, in the cold of November and December, before 
a numerous, well appointed and victorious amiy, through 
a desponding country, much more disposed to secure safe- 
ty by submission, than to seek it by a manly resistance.' 

To add to his discoui*agements, in a few months, the 
term of service of most of this little band would expire, 
and what prospect was there of obtaining enlistment? in a 



15 

cause that now seemed so hopeless ? Sir WilHam Howe 
was not able, for want of boats, to cross the Delaware, and 
take possession of Philadelphia ; but when the river should 
be frozen, as would shortly be the case, he could easily 
pass over, and complete the conquest of the middle States, 
which appeared so nearly accomphshed. The British 
General, waiting for this event, distributed his army in 
various places along the eastern side of the Delaware, and 
across the Jerseys, and went into winter quarters. 

It was in this dark hour, that the firmness of Washing- 
ton was so conspicuous. These were the days of adver- 
sity which try great men, who arouse all their energies to 
meet the occasion, while feebler minds sink in desponden- 
cy. To his anuy he exhibited the same resolution and 
courage as in better days. Having received some rein- 
forcements, he boldly resolved to cross in the night, and 
attack at the same time all the British posts on the Dela- 
ware. He led in person two thousand men to the at- 
tack of Trenton, and two other divisions were ordered to 
cross below to attack the other posts. The severity of the 
w^eather, and a storm of mingled snow, hail and rain, pre- 
vented the other detachments from crossing ; l^ut Wash- 
ington, though delayed in his passage by these causes, 
made good his laiiding, attacked and captured a thousand 
of the enemy, (five hundred having saved themselveis by 
flight,) took six field-pieces and a thousand stand of arms, 
with a loss of but two killed, and three or four wounded ! 
Finding himself unsupported by those divisions he had 
rodered to cross, he re-crossed the Delaware, with his 
prisoners and military stores. 

This brilliant achievement came like a thunderbolt, 
without any previous warning, upon the British General. 
An enemy he had considered vanquished, whom he had 
pursued and driven from post to post, and that owed their 
safety (o his present inability to cross the Delaware, had, 



to his utter astonishment, in the depth of winter, been 
suddenly inspired with a vigor, enterprise and courage, 
which threatened him with destruction. He recalled 
Lord Cornwallis from New York, from whence he was 
about to embPtrk for Europe, and found himself obliged to 
recommence active operations. 

Nor w|is the astonishmerit of the American people at 
this sudden alteration in the aspect of their affairs, less 
than that of the British General. A new spirit was in- 
fused into them, and confiding in the justice of their 
cause, and with renewed confidence in their Almighty 
Preserver and their Httle army, they w"ere stimulated to 
persevere in their struggle. 

The effect of this victory upon the American army 
was also most propitious. They had now the utmost con- 
fidence in their General, their courage was Vevived, and 
those who did not participate in this victory, were desirous' 
of an opportunity equally to distinguish themselves. — 
Washington having received further reinforcements w^as 
determined to avail himself of the spirit nou' pervading 
his troops, and though inferior to the enemy, attt;ni})t the 
recovery of the whole or the greater part of Ncav Jersey- 
After allowing a few days of repose to the troops who 
were employed in the enterprise against Trenton, he again 
crossed the Delaware on the 30th December, and took 
post at Trenton, The enemy was at Princeton, under 
Lord Cornwalhsj with a -superior force. At this critical 
juncture, the term of service of the troops fi-omNew Eng- 
land, would e?vpire on the next day. Washington exerted 
all his inlluence to induce them to remain during the pres- 
ent exigency, and mth jnuch difficulty, induced many of 
them to re-yengage for six Aveeks.'* On the first January," 
1777j Washington expecting an attack^ ordered thirty-six 

*From the letter cf John llowland, Esq. the Present Town Treas- 
.urer of Providence, of ISovember 24, 1830, published in 1831, it ap- 
pears tbnt "h'-^ ^^--^rr. nf r. r, :,.„ o^.V-.. J^hr.A^ V.U.rwl f^ .-.„: ^. r,> . < r. ,. r., ,,,..,. _ 



17 

hundred men^ who hiy at Bordentowii and Ciosswicks, to 
join him in the night, and with this addition, his effective 
force did not exceed five thousand men. The next morn- 
ing, Cornw^alhs marched to attack Trenton, the van of his 
army reached there about four o'clock in the afternoon. — 
Washington retired behind a creek which runs through 
Trenton, the enemy attempted to cross, but finding the 
fords and bridge w^ell defended, haUed for the night.* 

ded by Colonel Christopher Lippitt, expired eighteen days from this 
time. This regiment which comprised more than one third of the brig- 
ade to which it was attached, ununimously agreed to serve one month 
longer. This brigade diistinguished itself in the defence of the bridge 
and fords at Trenton, January 2d, 1777 ; and, for its gallantry at 
Princeton, Mr. Howland says : — "The Commander-in-Chief took the 
commander of our brigade by the hand, after the action, expressing his 
high approbation of his conduct, and that of the troops he commanded, 
and wished him to communicate his thanks to his oliicers and inen."^ — 
This interesting letter of Mr. Howland was written to Mr. Cowell, Clerk 
of the District Court, who requested information respecting the services 
of Lippitt's regiment. Rhode Island had three regiments in this little 
army at this time, all attached to the same brigade. 



*The following extract from the letter of Mr. Howland, gives an in- 
teresting picture of V\ ashiugton at this eventful period. U'he Brigade 
to which Colonel Lippitt's reginient was attached, and to which Mr. 
Howland belonged, was ordered to cover a small party that had been 
attacked by the advance of the British. Having accomplished this, they 
retreated in good order, and Mr. Howland thus describes the crossing of 
the bridge: — "The bridge was narrow, and our platoons were in passing 
it crowded into a dense and solid mass, in the rear of which, the ene- 
my were making their best elTorts. The noble horse of Ceneral Wash- 
ington stood with his breast pressed close against the end of the west 
rail of the bridge, and the firm, composed, and majestic countenance 
of the General inspired confidence and assurance in a moment so impor- 
tant and critical. In this passage across the bridge, it was my fortune 
to be next the west rnil, and arriving at the end of the bridge rail, I 
pressed against the shoulder of the General's horse, and in contact 
with the boot of ihe General. The horse stood as firm as the rider, and 
seemed to understand that he was not to quit his post and station. — 
When I was about half way across the bridge, the General addressed 
himself to Colonel Hitchcock, the ooinniaiuier of the brigade, directing 
him to march his men to that field, and form them immediately, or 
instantly, or as quick as possible; which of the terniB he used, I am not 
certain; at the same time extending his arm and pointing to a little 
meadow, at a little distance, on the south side of the creek or river, and 
between the road and the Delaware. This order was promptly obeyed 
and then we advanced to the edge of the stream, facing the enemy, 
who soon found it prudent to fall back under cover of the houses. — 
W hat passed at the bridge while we were forming as directed, I of 



iS 



Washington was now in a most critical situation, the nexc 
morning he would be attacked by a very superior force, 
and his army, in all probalDihty, destroyed. His retreat 
over the Delaware was rendered nearly impracticable by 
the state of the ice. In this emergency, Iiis courage, ed- 
terprise, and military genius were again manifested. — 
Knowing that CornwaUis had left some of his troops at 
Princeton, and that his baggage and principal ma gazines 
were at Brunswiciv, under a weak guard, .Washington re- 
solved to abandon the Delaw'ars, to elude CornwaUis in 
the m'ght, attack the force at Princeton, and defeating 
them, march immediately upon Brunswick. This he be- 
lieved w^ould divert CornwaUis from Philadelphia, and en- 
courage his army and the country by acting offensively, 
and avoiding the appearance of a retreat. The plan thus 
boldly and happily conceived, was nearly executed.^- 
Without exciting any alarm., the American anu)^ moved 
off in the night, gained the rear of the British, and the 
next morning, the van of the Americans, composed prin- 
cipally of mihtia, led by General Mercer, met two Bqtish 
regiments on their march from Princeton. A sharp action 
commenced ; the militia soon gave Vvay ; General Mercer 
w^as mortally w^ounded, wMst attempting to rally his 
troops, and the van was entirely routed. In this emer- 
gency, Washington led in person the m.ain body to the 
attack, and exposed himself in the front of danger, to the 
hottest fire of the enem)^, so much w^as he impressed with 
\he absolute importance of victory at this crisis. Here lie 

course did not v.'itnf^^:^, but xmflerstcod that ns soon as our brigade lu'd 
p:is.;ed, the cannon \vl:ieli liud been drawn aside, to leave u» a passage, 
were again phused at thg^^^'^nd of the bridge;-" and discharged into the 
front of the enemy's coli'jiiin, which was advujicing to^vards it; at tha 
same tin:c sgiveral pieces placed at the rigiit and left of the bridge, with 
musketry atthe intervals, took them partly in flank'. Tlicy did i50t 
succeed in their attempt to cross the bridge, and although the creek 
was fordable between the bridge and the ^.^^i^^•■^•p, ih?.y .-"Ipcllru^cl s-.- 
tenipting a passage there, in the fnce of t' 
rioiis obstruction than tho water " 



again triurnplied. The British line was soon broken, 
more than one hundred killed, and nearly three hundred 
taken prisoners. Washington pressed IbrAvard to Piince-^ 
ton, and anotiier British regiment saved itself by a precipi- 
tate retreat to Bnuiswick. Lord CornAvallis, in the morn- 
ing, finding Washington had escaped hiin, penetrated his 
designs, and commenced a rapid march for Biunswiclv; — 
he. was close upon the rear of the American army before it 
left Princeton. The perils of Wn?bington were not yet 
ended, his army was neariy . : widi fatigue and 

want of sleep, poorly cia^d, and many of them bare- 
footed. In this state of exhaustion and suffering, they 
would, most probably, be overtaken by Cornwailis, before 
they could accomplish their designs upon Brunswick, and 
especially if they should tliere meet with opposition, W^asli- 
ington, therefore, prudently abandojied his designs upon 
the stores and baggage of the enenw, retired to the north 
to give his troops refreshment and repose, and Cornwailis 
passed on to Brunswick. 

Iha\ ipon the.< ampaign, 

as they eAiiiijiL ioe military uwa,^' eu tr -r-ujiylon, in the 
most favorable point of \dew. When we compare what 
he accomplished with the means he possessed, we are no 
less impressed with the wisdom and boldness of his de- 
signs, than with the skill, vigor, and judgment displayed 
m their executioiL. Th.e important, consequenciis also, of; 
the victories of Trenton, and Princeton, render them still 
more memorai)le ; the}'' saved Philadelphia for the wintar, 
recovered a great portion of New Jersey, and more tharv; 
all, they encouraged to renewed exertion those who began 
to despair of the Ai'tierican cause, and their 'effect upon the 
r.^;:ruiting service v/as so auspicious, that a muci* iarger 
army was raised by the States, for the ensuing campaign. 



20 

We have not time to recount the interesting events of 
the Revolutionary War, in which Washington distinguish- 
ed himself, as well by his enterprising courage, as by that 
prudence, which procured him the name of the American 
Fabius. He was not only our shield, but our sword, and 
his letters to Congress show what a host of difficulties he 
had to contend with, and that he was equally valuable in 
the Cabinet as in the field. 

At the peace, the situation of the army became a source 
of much interest, and some apprehension. The officers 
and soldiers were unpaid, and the officers had received no 
assurance that the commutation of half pay for a sum in 
gross, which had been held out to them by a resolution of 
Congress, in October, 1780, would be sanctioned by the 
States. In December, 1782, they petitioned Congress, 
and sent a deputation of officers to enforce their claims, but 
in March, 1783, when the news of peace arrived, but lit- 
tle progress had been made in their afitiirs, and they were 
informed by their committee, that they had not obtained 
what they had solicited. Tliey saw their country saved 
by their exertions, and as they supposed, unmindful of 
their sufferings and their services, and denying them not 
only gratitude, but justice. 

In this state of feeling, that celebrated address was cir- 
culated, which was so Avell calculated to turn their arms 
against their country. This was the moment in wliich 
an ambitious leader, with an army devoted to him, un- 
willing to retire to the calm pursuits of civil life, would 
have seized upon, to .triumph over tlie liberties of his 
country. But such unholy ambition had no cliarms for 
Washington ; he felt deeply for his beloved officers and 
soldiers, but he Vvished to save them from the passions of 
the moment ; to save them from lasting ignominy and 
self reproach; to save them for their countjy ; and he was 



21 

v^uccessful. His adckess to them, calraed tiieir passions',, 
revived their hopes, arid pointed out to them the path of 
xiuty and safety. In his letter to Congress, written imme- 
diately after this event, }ie eloquently enforces the claims 
of the arm}^ * If,' said he, ' this country should not, in 
the event, perform every thing which has been requested 
in the late memorial to Congress, then will my belief be- 
come vain, and the hope that has been excited void of 
foimdation. And if, as has been suggested, for the pur- 
pose of inflaming their passions, the officers of the army 
are to be the only sufferer-- ' volution ; if retiring 

Irom the field, they are to giu,, t,:.. ui poverty, wretched- 
ness and contempt ; if they are to wade through the vile 
mire of dependency, and owe the miserable remnant of 
that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent in hon- 
or, then shall I have learned what iiigratitude is : then 
shall I have realized a tale which Will embitter every mo- 
ment of my'future life.' 

* But I am under no such apprehensions ; a country 
rescued by their arms fi-om impending ruin, will nevei' 
leave unoaid the debt of s^ratitude/ 

These representations came with the more effect from 
hira who sought nothing for himself. When he accepted 
his commission, he gave notice to Congress, thai he 
would not receive any cimir^ei-i^f^tuyY) f(^r liis services. 

On the fourth of Der ok a most affec- 

tionate leave of his principal officers at New York, and on 
the same day set out for Annapolis, in Maryland, where 
Congress was in session, to resign his commission. 

On the 23d December, at a public audience, and un- 
der circumstances peculiarly impressive, V^gshington re- 
sisrned his commission into the hands of the. President of 



C-ongress. At the close of the speech delivered by him on 
^ ■ Aom he said : — ■ f consider it as an indispensable 



22 

duty to close this last act of my official life, by commend- 
ing the interests of our dearest country to the protection 
of Almighty God, and those who have the superinten- 
dance of them, to his holy keeping.' 

* Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire 
from the gi'eat theatre of action, and bidding an affection- 
ate larewell to this august body, under whose orders I 
have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take 
leave of all the employments of active life.' 

The answer of Congress to this address, delivered by 
their President, being a testimonial so valuable from the 
high source from whence it proceeded, is well worthy of 
a recital on this occasion. The President in addi'essing 
him, said : — ' The United States, in Congress assembled, 
receive with emotions too affecting for utterance, the sol- 
emn resignation of the authorities under which you have 
led their troops with success, through a perilous and a 
doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its 
invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it 
had formed alliances, and whilst it was without friends or 
a government to support you. You have conducted the 
great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, invaria- 
bly regarding the rights of the civil power, through all 
disasters and changes. You have by the love and confi- 
dence of your fellow citizens, enabled them to display 
their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. 
You have persevered, until these United States, aided by 
a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, un- 
der a just Providence, to close the war in freedom, safety, 
and independence ; on which happy event, we sincerely 
join you in congratulations. 

' Having defended the standard of liberty in this new 
world ; having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict 
Vliu] Io those wlio feel oppression, you retire from the 



23 

great theatre of action, with tlie blessings of your fellow 
citizens ; but the glory of your virtues will not terminate 
with your military command ; it will continue to animate 
remotest ages.' 

' We feel with you our obligations to the araiy in gen- 
eral, and will particularly charge ourselves with the in- 
terests of those confidential ofiicers, who have attended 
your person to this affecting moment. 

* We join you in commending the interests of our dear- 
est country to the protection of Almighty God, beseecliing 
him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens, to im- 
prove the opportunities afforded them of becoming a happy 
and respectable nation. And for you, we address to him 
our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved, may be fostered 
with all his care, that your days may be happy as they 
have been illustrious ; and that he will fmally give you 
that reward which this world carmot give.' 

Thus terminated, in a manner every way suited to the 
dignity of the occasion, the last act of that memorable 
drama, which crowned our country w ith independence 
and Washington with imperishable renown. 

Washington now retired to those joys of domestic and 
rural life, which must have been doubly endeared to him 
by the reflection, that he hved in a land of independence 
and freedom. In this retirement from public cares, he 
was much employed in the improvement of agriculture, 
the importance of which he had so many proofs, by the 
wretched system of cultivation which prevailed at the 
south. His attention was also directed to the great sub- 
ject of internal improvement, with a view more firmly to 
unite the western country to the Atlantic states, by facil- 
itating the means of intercourse, and binding the union 
by the strong cement of interest. To collect information 
on this subject, he visited New York, and surveyed her 
western waters; went as far west as Pittsburghj and 



, .^v,v...i the waters of Mm j. ........ ...A VirginiJi., .a^.» ,..o.wu 

of opinion that the unprovement of the rivers James and 
Potomack, would afford the easiest communication with 
the western country, the States of Maryland and Virgi- 
nia were induced by hinij to co-operate in this gi'cat ol)- 
ject. 

Tliese pleasing visions and prophetic views of ills coun- 
try's greatness, by the improvement of the advantages so 
boimtifully bestow^ed u}X)n her, were soon interrupted by 
those sad realities which thi'ew a gloom over the land, and 
made the friends of rational freedom almost despair of en- 
joying that liberty, w^hich had been won b}^ tJie sacrifice 
of so much life and propert}^ The union of the States 
under a government of sTiffici:'nt powder to secure tlie 
peace and prosperity of tl wa^^ an object whicli 

Washington had long deemea ot the utmost importance. 
At the close of the war, he addressed a farew^ell letter to 
the Governors of the several States, and 'being his last of- 
ficial communication to them, was richly fraught w^lth 
paternal comisel, and enforced by all the affectionate con- 
siderations which could address themselves to the liumau 
heart. In this, Wasliington dwelt upon the necessity of 
'■ an indissoluble union of the ^States, under one federal 
head, as essential to the well being and existence of the 
'united States as an independent power.' 

His letter produced for a time a great ei'irct, oui, it 
could not permanently control that love of power so pre- 
dominant in our nature, and the defects of the articles of 
confederation, under which i;iotliing could be done but 
through the agency of the States, w^ho acted or not, at 
their pleasure, became every day raoie appareiit and la- 
mentable. - It soon became evident, that the form of fed- 
eral government which kept ti;^ f^U:^(-^ f '-.n-Atlv^v li-.-ler t/r 
pressure of w* ai, when th'. 



25 

forced the necessity of union, and a compliance with tlic 
requisitions of Congress, had beeome whoU}^ inefficient 
when this danger was removed, and other objects and 
passions obtained the ascendency. Tlie States, therefore, 
were becoming contemptible at home by internal dissen- 
sions, and odious and contemprible abroad, from a want 
of power to enforce the observance of treaties, and the 
consequent breaches, in several of the States, of the public 
faith. Without the power, also, of countervailing those 
laws of foreign nations, which protected their own naviga- 
tion and manufactures, the American people presented an 
affecting spectacle of civil dissension, domestic insurrec- 
tion, private want, and public bankruptcy, without a hope 
of relief, except by a more perfect union, an event there 
was so little reason to expect from the discordant temper 
of the times. 

Washington could not behold unmoved, the distresses 
of his country. A view of them, and especially of the in- 
surrection which had broken out in Massachusetts, caus- 
ed him thus to express himself in a letter to a friend : ' I 
am mortified beyond expression, when I view the clouds 
which have spread over the brightest morn that ever 
dawned upon any country. In a word, I am lost in 
amazement, when I behold what intrigue, the interested 
views of desperate characters, ignorance and jealousy of 
the minor part, are capable of effecting as a scourge on 
the major part of our fellow citizens of the Union ; for it 
is hardly to be supposed that the great body of the people, 
though they will not act, can be so short sighted, or en- 
veloped in darkness, as not to see rays of a distant sun, 
through all this mist of intoxication and folly.' 

' You talk, my good sir, of employing influence to op- 
pose the present tumults in Massachusetts. I know not 
where that influence is to be found ; nor if attainable, that 



26 

It would be a^proper remedy for tliose disorders. Infitience 
is not government. Let us have a government by which 
our Hves, liberties ancrpropertics will be secured, or let us 
know the worst at once.' 

The necessity became so urgent of revising the articles 
of Confederation, and of so amending them as to render 
the federal Constitution ' adequate to the exigencies of 
government and the preservation of the Union,' that Con- 
gress on the 21st February, 1787, recommended a con- 
vention of delegates of the several States, to meet in May 
at Philadelphia, for that purpose. 

Washington had previously been appointed, hj Virginia, 
a delegate to a convention, which was recommended by a 
convention of delegates from six States at Annapolis. — 
Washington, having determined when he resigned his 
military commission, to take his leave of the cares of pulj- 
lic hfe, declined the appointment ; but Virginia, miwilling 
to dispense with his services, continued liis name in the 
list of delegates, in the hope that he might be induced to 
alter his determination. 

When Congress passed this resolution, which made it 
probable that there would be a fidl representation from all 
the States at the proposed convention, the friends of Wash- 
ington were the more desirous of his presence. An opin- 
ion becoming prevalent, that a S3^stem of greater enegy 
iiuist be esta])lished by agreement or by force, and it hav« 
mg been intimated, that his declining to aid in the present 
crisis, might be attributed to a desire to rely on force, as 
the surest remed}^, he ultimately agreed to attend as a del- 
egate, and in his letter of acceptance to the Governor of 
Virginia, said : ' As my friends, with a degree of solicitude 
which is unusual, seem to wish for my attendance on this 
occasion, I have come to a resolution to go, if my health 
will pcnjiit, provided, from thelop^^c of time between your 



27 

excellency's letter and tliis reply, the executive may not 
(the reverse of which would be liighly pleasing to me) 
have turned their thoughts to some otlier character.' 

This Convention contained some of the wisest men of 
America. There we behold the illustrious name of Frank- 
lin ; this bright assembly of worth and talent, unanimous- 
ly chose Washington President ; an honor which throws 
into the shade the splendors of an imperial crown. The 
deliberations of this Convention were with closed doors ; 
its journal has been published, but its most interesting dis- 
cussions are as yet but imperfectly known, a desideratum 
in our history, which it is hoped may be supplied by one 
of its ablest members, who, having received the highest 
honors of his country, yet survives to enlighten us by his 
experience and wisdom. 

The influence of Washington in those critical periods 
of this Convention, which induced the patriot almost to 
despair of any beneficial result, must have been highly 
auspicious. At length, on the 17th of September, 1787, 
that Constitution, which we now prize as the ark of ou.i 
safety, Avas reported to Congress by the Convention, ac- 
companied by a letter signed by Washington, in their be- 
half, in which are stated the difficulties of the work they 
had accomplished, and that the Constitution they present- 
ed, was * the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual 
deference and concession which the peculiarity of our po- 
litical situation rendered indispensable.' 

On the 28th September, 1787, Congress submitted this 
Constitution to the people of the several States for their 
adoption. Now commenced a contest which put in re- 
quisition all the talents and zeal of those who opposed, 
and those who advocated the Constitution, which produc- 
ed that immortal work of Jay, Madison and Hamilton, in 
its defence, and whicli agitated and excited every portion 



28 

of our country. Its advocates saw peace honor and per- 
manent prosperity in its acceptance, and all the evils 
which spring from anarchy in its rejection. Its opponents 
believed they saw in it, under a republican form, the fea- 
tures of the British Constitution, and feared that its adop- 
tion would be the grave of American liberty. 

Happily for our country, the dictates of reason and 
enlightened patriotism prevailed, and, on the 13th Sep- 
tember, 1788, a day as important in our annals as the 
treaty of peace, Congress announced the adoption of the 
Constitution by the requisite number of States, and ap- 
pointed the 4th of March, 1789, for the commencement 
of the new Government. 

This result was effected, in several States, by such 
small majorities, that we are warranted ^ in believing that 
the influence of the character of Washington, proved a 
second time the salvation of his country. The belief that 
he would be induced to administer the government which 
might be formed under it, and that to him might safely 
be intrusted the high powers confen'ed on the President, 
were considerations wliich must have greatly assisted the 
friends of the Constitution, in removing the prejudices and 
quieting the apprehensions which had been excited in the 
people by much zeal and eloquence. 

When the Constitution was adopted, its friends did 
not deem their work accomplished, unless they could in- 
duce Washington once more to sacrifice the pleasures of 
retirement, and embark " his fame and tranquility upon a 
tempestuous ocean. To induce him to consent to be 
President of the United States, was now their great effort^ 
and so well did they know him, that they believed their 
wishes would be accomplished, if they convinced him it 
was necessary for the welfare of his country. 



29 

*To those,' says Chief Justice Marshall, * who attribute 
human action in every case, to the motives which most 
usually guide the human mind, it will appear scarcely 
possible that the Supreme Magistracy could posess no 
charms for a man long accustomed to command others; — 
and that ambition had no share in tempting the hero of 
the American Revolution to tread once more the paths of 
public life. Yet, if his communications to friends, to 
whom he unbosomed the inmost sentiments of his soul, be 
inspected, it will be difficult for any to resist the convic- 
tion that the struggle, produced by the occasion, was un- 
affected, and that in accepting the Presidency of the Uni- 
ted States, no private passion was gratified ; but the victory, 
over a decided predilection for private life, was obtained 
by a sense of duty, and a deep conviction of his obliga- 
tions to his country.' 

Called by the unanimous voice of a free people, at such 
a crisis, Washington could not mistake the path of duty ; 
diffident of himself, yet encouraged by this proof of the 
confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens,and trust- 
ing in that Almighty Being who had so often preserved 
him and his country, and to whom he constantly looked 
for aid and direction, he entered upon a new theatre of 
action, and assumed the arduous duties and high respon- 
sibilities of first President of the United States. If the du- 
ties of this high offie, at all times, require the best talents, 
aided by public confidence, this was peculiarly the case, 
when a new government was to be instituted, and the 
whole machinery organized and put in motion, which 
constitutes the government of the United States ; and it 
Avas all important that this should be accomplished in 
such a manner, as to propitiate the opponents and satisfy 
the friends of the Constitution, that by establishing it in 
3* 



30 

the affections of the people its permanency might be se- 
cured. 

How well Washington discharged his duties in this ar- 
duous work, was decided by his country, wlien he was 
called by her unanimous voice a second time to the Pres- 
idency. This unequivocal testimony is the more valua- 
able, as powerful parties had then arisen from those differ- 
ences on important measures which will always exist in a 
free country. As Washington's first term was drawing 
to a close, he had formed a resolution of retiring from the 
cares of State, and of declaring his intention, but the same 
considerations which induced him to leave his retirement 
once more compelled him to yield to the wishes of the 
people, and to remain at the helm until the clouds which 
then threatened our safety were dissipated. 

Washington gave not ' to party what was meant for 
mankind ;' he was a mediator between rival parties, and 
sought to control that spirit which he saw so destructive 
of private and public happiness, and the licentiousness of 
which he feared would ultimately destroy our liberties. — 
In his administration, he sought the best advice on both 
sides ; he deliberated slowly and surel}^, and having come 
to a result which fully satisfied his own mind, he was firm 
and immoveable ; he preferred to sacrifice his own popu- 
larity rather than put in jeopardy those great interests 
which were intrusted to his keeping. This was eminent- 
ly manifested by the proclamation of neutrality, and the 
firmness with which he withstood the attempts of the . 
French minister, in 1793, 1794, to involve us in the w^ar 
w^hich grew out of the French Revolution, encouraged as 
the French minister was by beholding among us that en- 
thusiasm in faA^or of repubUcan France Avhich was then 
so predominant. We now look back upon those days 
with wonder, and our hearts glow wi(h gratitude, that a 



31 

protecting Providence still blessed us with him, whose 
weight of character enabled him to withstand the enthu- 
siasm of the times, and to sq.ve once more his country from 
war, and crown her with those rich blessings which flowed 
from our neutrality. 

But though I might not weary your patience by a re- 
ference to those measures which entitle this wonderful 
man to our most affectionate eulogy, I should exhaust my 
own strength, and consume more of your present time 
than I feel wan-anted in appropriating. We need only 
look around us to be convinced of the wisdom of those ad- 
ministrations which prepared the way for his successors ; 
which revived commerce ; protected navigation ; encour- 
aged manufactures ; established a judiciary ; organized a 
system of revenue, which, increasing with our growth 
and prosperity, has nearly extinguished those debts which 
are a part of the price of our liberty and independence. 

* We read his history in a nation's eyes,' 

and the eulogium which he most highly prized, still exists, 
by w^ords unutterable, * in the hearts of his countrymen,' 

No longer withheld by higher considerations, at the 
close of his second Presidency, Washington resolved to be- 
come a private citizen, and present again the rare exam- 
ple of the voluntary relinquishment of power. Every dis- 
position was manifested by the people again, unar imously 
to re-elect him. With a view to apprise them of his de- 
termination, and to impress upon them, at such a time, 
those truths he deemed so essential to their liberties and 
happiness, he addressed his fellow citizens in the manner 
which has been read to you. It is a rich legacy. It 
contains wisdom more precious than gold, truths which de- 
light the moralist, piety which increases devotion, and a 
system of politics which may invoke the blessing of heav- 
en, and conduct us to pei*manent fehcity. 



32 

On the fourth of March, 1797, Washington retkecl, — 
not from public admiration, for this followed him to the 
shades of Mount Vernon, and presented, perhaps for the 
last time, the spectacle of a President retiring from office, 
with that homage, which is now paid to the possessor of 
power and patronage. 

Washington did not long enjoy the felicity of retirement. 
His inestimable life was now drawing to a close. On the 
night of the thirteenth of December, 1799, he was attack- 
by a disorder which baffled the skill of his physicians, and, 
on the night of the next day, terminated a life which had 
been so splendid and useful. He died in the s full posses- 
sion of his faculties, expressing in his last moments that 
he was not afraid of death, and in the view of him who 
has been called the king of terrors, manifestingthat equan- 
imity for wliich his life had been so conspicuous. 

If this event had no terror for him, it had much for his 
country. It filled om* land with mourning ; not the mere 
pageantry of distress, by which so many of the great are 
mourned, but with that sincere grief which fills the heart, 
when a much loved, good, and venerated father has de- 
parted. 

A rumor of this event produced such a sensation in 
Congi-ess, then sitting in Philadeiphiaj that they imme- 
diately adjourned. On the next day, the President an- 
nounced to Congress the mournful tidings. Congress re- 
solved to testify their sense of the loss they had sustained 
by a funeral procession and oration, and also resolved, 
' that a marble monument be erected by the United States 
at the city of Washington, and that the family of General 
Washington be requested to permit his body to be depos- 
ited under it ; and that the monument be so designed as 
to commemorate the great events of his military and po- 
litical life.' 



33 

The example of Congress was imitated throughout 
the comitry ; our rehgious temples were arrayed in sable, 
and piety and eloquence, music and poetry, combined to 
lionor and lament the hero, the statesman, the father of 
his country. 

The monument which Congress resolved to erect to his 
memory, and also that equestrian statue of their Geneial, 
wliich in 1783, after peace had been proclaimed, Congress 
unanimously resolved should be erected at the place es- 
tablished for the residence of tlie government, these exist 
only in resolutions ! Is it not high time that some evidence 
should be given to posterity that our gratitude did not 
expire with our resolves 1 

Though the fame of Washington cannot be increased 
by monumental marble, our ingratitude will be our lasting 
reproach if we fail to honor such services, by those memo- 
rials which all civilized nations erect to their benefactors. 
By erecting a monument w4iich shall commemorate his 
worth, we may impress upon posterity our estimation of • 
his character ; being ever present to our legislators and 
statesmen, may it not check the low design, the selfisli 
purpose, and party zeal, and inspire that lofty integrity, 
and pure patriotism, which can only secure such lasting 
honors 1 

When the Roman Fabius died, every citizen contribut- 
ed a small piece of money to defray the expense of his fu- 
neral ; « not,' says Plutarch, ' that he died without effects, 
but that they might bury him as the father of the people, 
and that the honors paid him at his death, might ])e suita- 
[ble to the dignity of his life.' 

A gi-eater than Fabius Maximus was here. Let the 
American people imitate this example, and thus raise a 
monument to Washington, tliat shall perpetuate his ser- 
vices and our cvatitudc. 



) 



34 

On tliis occasion we mnst not forget those ilhistrions 
patriots, the members of the first Congress, who on tlie 
fomthof July, 1776, proclaimed our Independence, and 
who, in that gloomy period which immediately preceded 
the victory of Trenton, with unshaken fortitude, resolved 
that they would listen to no terms of accommodation, 
which required a surrender of the Independence they 
had declared. 

And long will we remember that noble army of martyrs, 
who freely laid down tlieir Mves for their country. 

' tlow sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
Dy all tlieir country's wishes blest ! 

Their honor comes a pilgrim grey, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay, 
And Freedom shall awhile repair, 
To dwell a weeping hermit there !' 

On this day, also, will we remember that noble youth, 
by birth made noble, but by nature more, who l^ft the 
pleasures of a luxurious court, to enrol himself among the 
sons of liberty; who freely gave his blood and treasure to 
our sacred cause ! As long as the name of Washington 
inspires admiration and gratitude, thy name, La Fayette, 
sliall awaken kindred emotions. Thy constancy and 
courage in the cause of freedom, amidst the changes of 
tliy native land, thy honor, truth, and firm integrity, 
evhice how well thou wert instructed in the school of 
Washington ! We, my countrymen,in these last days, 
beheld this illustrious man, whose presence kindled among 
us that enthusiasm no less honorable to him than our- 
selves ; and we have now the happiness of reflecting, that 
our country has been saved from a reproach so often cast 
upon republics, by tliat gift that so well became a nation's 
jrralitude. 



35 

We forget not on this day that heroic army, who pre- 
fcerved from the perils of war, behohl with joy the beams 
of peace. We have seen how near they were to the heart 
of Washington, and how eloquently he recommended them 
to the love and gratitude of their country. No man 
knew so well their merits and their sacrifices. A few now 
remain to honor the memory of their venerated chief; and 
before another centenary, they will live only in history, the 
songs of our bards, or in the fond recollections of their 
countrymen. Let us cherish the memory of the dead ; — 
let us honor and cherish the living, and may their last 
days be blessed in beholding the prosperity of a country 
able and willing to pay the debt of justice and gratitude. 

My Countrymen, 

This day reminds us of our mortality. 
This has, indeed, been most forcibly impressed upon us, 
]3y the loss we have so recently sustained of a most valua- 
ble citizen and counsellor,* whose presence we had so much 
reason to expect on this occasion, and whose death has 
made a chasm in society, and at tlie bar, which will long 
cause him to be held in remembrance. 

Before another centennial birth day of Washington, all 
of us, here assembled, will have mingled with the genera- 
tions that have preceded us, where there is neither ' work 
nor device.' There is wisdom in the reflection, and we 
should lay it to heart. It exhorts us to * work while the 
day lasteth.' Though w^e die we are to be succeeded by 
other generations, whose happiness depends on the faith- 
ful performance of our duties. 

There is wisdom in the reflection, for it is the touchstone 
that tries and exhibits true worth. It separates the gold 
from the tinsel ; it teaches how httle we should estimatti 

'iloiL Nathaniel Searlk, 



36 

the pomp and vanities of life, and liow mucli we should 
estimate virtue. It strips from tlie hero the sceptre and. 
the crown, and commends, as approved of heaven, the 
good man struggHng with adversity, the patriot who sacri- 
fices himself for his coimtry. 

It carries us, from the fields of Napoleon's fame, to the 
rock of Helena, and asks us to weigh in the balances of 
everlasting truth the worth of mere military renown. It 
bids us read those eloquent bulletins which announced un- 
paralleled victories, and weic caiu.^^'^ted to animate every 
Frenchman with the love of glory, and then listen to those 
sentiments of piety, of moral and political wisdom, of pme 
and elevated patriotism, which abound in all the addresses 
of Washington to his countrymen, to draw the parallel and 
learn to appreciate the worth and character of Washington. 

It bids us penetrate the cabinets of politicians, view their 
systems of policy, how by art and intrigue so many rise to 
power, and preserve it by corruption; how in repubhcs they 
too often play off faction against faction, and lead the people 
by flattery and deception; in monarchies how they succeed 
by court cabals, and by studying the ruling passions, whims 
and caprices of a King ; and then behold how Washington 
w^on his way by open honesty and continued service, and 
learn to appreciate his worth. 

May this wasdom cause us to emulate the worth that 
we approve, and the character of Washington be exhibited, 
from generation to generation, to perpetuate those virtues 
without which our freedom is but a name. 



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